Home public land mobile network controlled user equipment behavior tuning

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products for causing configuring user equipment (UE) for operator control of UE behavior in registering and deregistering with network slices and establishing and releasing PDU sessions in a communication system. A network entity can receive a registration request message from a UE. The network entity can determine one or more public land mobile network type (PLMN) types or PLMN identities and a version of an associated UE behavior policy, based at least in part on the registration request message. The network entity may request a UE behavior policy. The network entity may provide UE configuration update information to the UE.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.63/362,022, filed Mar. 28, 2022, which incorporates PCT Application No.PCT/EP2023/057399, filed Mar. 23, 2023, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 63/362,022, filed Mar. 28, 2022, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

This section introduces aspects that may be helpful in facilitating abetter understanding of the inventions. Accordingly, the statements ofthis section are to be read in this light and are not to be understoodas admissions about what is in the prior art or what is not in the priorart.

Fourth generation (4G) wireless mobile telecommunications technology,also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, was designed toprovide high capacity mobile multimedia with high data ratesparticularly for human interaction. Next generation or fifth generation(5G) technology is intended to be used not only for human interaction,but also for machine type communications in so-called Internet of Things(IoT) networks.

Third generation partnership project (3GPP) 5G technology is a nextgeneration of radio systems and network architecture that can deliverextreme broadband and ultra-robust, low latency connectivity. 5Gtechnology improves a variety of telecommunication services offered tothe end users and helps to support massive broadband that deliversgigabytes of bandwidth per second on demand for both the uplink anddownlink transmissions. Next generation systems, which utilize the 5Garchitecture, utilize virtualized radio access network (RAN) functionsand core network functions.

In a 5G network, network slicing is a concept for running multiplelogical networks as virtually independent business operations on acommon physical infrastructure. A network slice is considered as anindependent virtualized end-to-end network. Currently, standardizationefforts are being made on simplifying the way network slices aredefined, how user equipment register and deregister with a networkslice, and how a protocol data unit (PDU) session is admitted to anetwork slice. However, under the current 3GPP specifications, enforcingsuch activities is complex and typically rests with the user equipment,meaning the network operator has little control over user equipmentbehavior during such activities.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided inaccordance with example embodiments to provide for operator control ofuser equipment behavior in registering and deregistering with networkslices and establishing and releasing PDU sessions in a communicationsystem. The particular UE behavior policy for the UE may be determinedby the network entity.

In one example embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving,at a network entity of a communications system, from user equipment(UE), a registration request message. The method may further includedetermining i) one or more PLMN (public land mobile network) types orPLMN identities associated with a UE behavior for the UE and ii) aversion of an associated UE behavior policy respective of the one ormore PLMN types or PLMN identities, based at least in part on theregistration request message. The method may further include requestinga UE behavior policy from another network entity based at least in parton at least one of i) the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities orii) the version of the associated UE behavior policy in response to arequest for the UE behavior policy. The method may further includeproviding, to the UE, in a registration accept message UE configurationinformation, wherein the UE configuration information includes anindication of one or more of the PLMN types or PLMN identities and therespective version of the associated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the method may further include in an instance thePLMN type or PLMN identity is indicative of a visited public land mobilenetwork (VPLMN) type or VPLMN identity, and the UE behavior policyallows a corresponding VPLMN to change one or more aspects of the UEbehavior policy, providing, to the UE, UE configuration updateinformation, wherein the UE configuration update information includes anindication of an updated version of the associated UE behavior policyfor the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity.

In some embodiments, the method may further include subscribing tosubscription information updates for a UE behavior policy associatedwith the UE. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving,a subscription information update to a UE behavior policy associatedwith the UE. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing,to the UE, UE configuration update information, wherein the UEconfiguration update information includes an indication of an updatedversion of the associated UE behavior policy. In some embodiments,subscription information to a UE behavior policy is received in aninstance a policy control function updates the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving one or moreauthorization flags, wherein the one or more authorization flags areindicative of whether a visited PLMN or the PLMN identity of a visitedPLMN is authorized to modify the UE behavior policy for one or more ofthe components of the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the PLMN is at least one of a home public landmobile network (HPLMN) type or a visited public land mobile network(VPLMN) type. In some embodiments, the registration request messagefurther includes information indicating the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of UE behavior policy.

In one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided with means forreceiving, at a network entity of a communications system, from userequipment (UE), a registration request message. The apparatus mayfurther include means for determining i) one or more PLMN (public landmobile network) types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behaviorfor the UE and ii) a version of an associated UE behavior policyrespective of the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities, based atleast in part on the registration request message. The apparatus mayfurther include means for requesting a UE behavior policy from anothernetwork entity based at least in part on at least one of i) the one ormore PLMN types or PLMN identities or ii) the version of the associatedUE behavior policy in response to a request for the UE behavior policy.The apparatus may further include means for providing, to the UE, in aregistration accept message UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of thePLMN types or PLMN identities and the respective version of theassociated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for, in aninstance the PLMN type or PLMN identity is indicative of a visitedpublic land mobile network (VPLMN) type or VPLMN identity, and the UEbehavior policy allows a corresponding VPLMN to change one or moreaspects of the UE behavior policy, providing, to the UE, UEconfiguration update information, wherein the UE configuration updateinformation includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means forsubscribing to subscription information updates for a UE behavior policyassociated with the UE. In some embodiments, the method further includesreceiving, a subscription information update to a UE behavior policyassociated with the UE. In some embodiments, the apparatus may furtherinclude means for providing, to the UE, UE configuration updateinformation, wherein the UE configuration update information includes anindication of an updated version of the associated UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, subscription information to a UE behavior policy isreceived in an instance a policy control function updates the UEbehavior policy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means forreceiving one or more authorization flags, wherein the one or moreauthorization flags are indicative of whether a visited PLMN or the PLMNidentity of a visited PLMN is authorized to modify the UE behaviorpolicy for one or more of the components of the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the PLMN is at least one of a home public landmobile network (HPLMN) type or a visited public land mobile network(VPLMN) type. In some embodiments, the registration request messagefurther includes information indicating the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of UE behavior policy.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus can be provided thatcomprises at least one processor and at least one memory includingcomputer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memoryand the computer program code configured to, with the at least oneprocessor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, at a network entityof a communications system, from user equipment (UE), a registrationrequest message. The apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to determine i) one or more PLMN (public land mobilenetwork) types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behavior for theUE and ii) a version of an associated UE behavior policy respective ofthe one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities, based at least in part onthe registration request message. The apparatus may include the computerprogram code further configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the apparatus at least to request a UE behavior policy fromanother network entity based at least in part on at least one of i) theone or more PLMN types or PLMN identities or ii) the version of theassociated UE behavior policy in response to a request for the UEbehavior policy. The apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to provide, to the UE, in a registration acceptmessage UE configuration information, wherein the UE configurationinformation includes an indication of one or more of the PLMN types orPLMN identities and the respective version of the associated UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to, in an instance the PLMN type or PLMN identity isindicative of a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) type or VPLMNidentity, and the UE behavior policy allows a corresponding VPLMN tochange one or more aspects of the UE behavior policy, provide, to theUE, UE configuration update information, wherein the UE configurationupdate information includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to subscribe to subscription information updates fora UE behavior policy associated with the UE. In some embodiments, theapparatus may include the computer program code further configured to,with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least toreceive, subscription information update to a UE behavior policyassociated with the UE. In some embodiments, the apparatus may includethe computer program code further configured to, with the at least oneprocessor, cause the apparatus at least to provide, to the UE, UEconfiguration update information, wherein the UE configuration updateinformation includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy. In some embodiments, subscriptioninformation to a UE behavior policy is received in an instance a policycontrol function updates the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to receive one or more authorization flags, whereinthe one or more authorization flags are indicative of whether a visitedPLMN or the PLMN identity of a visited PLMN is authorized to modify theUE behavior policy for one or more of the components of the UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the PLMN is at least one of a home public landmobile network (HPLMN) type or a visited public land mobile network(VPLMN) type. In some embodiments, the registration request messagefurther includes information indicating the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of UE behavior policy.

In another example embodiment, a computer program product can beprovided that comprises at least one non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium having computer-executable program code instructionsstored therein, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions configured, upon execution, toreceive, at a network entity of a communications system, from userequipment (UE), a registration request message. The computer-executableprogram code instructions comprising program code instructions mayfurther be configured, upon execution, to determine i) one or more PLMN(public land mobile network) types or PLMN identities associated with aUE behavior for the UE and ii) a version of an associated UE behaviorpolicy respective of the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities,based at least in part on the registration request message. Thecomputer-executable program code instructions comprising program codeinstructions may further be configured, upon execution, to request a UEbehavior policy from another network entity based at least in part on atleast one of i) the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities or ii) theversion of the associated UE behavior policy in response to a requestfor the UE behavior policy. The computer-executable program codeinstructions comprising program code instructions may further beconfigured, upon execution, to provide, to the UE, in a registrationaccept message UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of thePLMN types or PLMN identities and the respective version of theassociated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to, in an instance the PLMN type or PLMN identity isindicative of a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) type or VPLMNidentity, and the UE behavior policy allows a corresponding VPLMN tochange one or more aspects of the UE behavior policy, provide, to theUE, UE configuration update information, wherein the UE configurationupdate information includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity.

In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to subscribe to subscription information updates for a UEbehavior policy associated with the UE. In some embodiments, thecomputer-executable program code instructions comprising program codeinstructions may further be configured, upon execution, to receive,subscription information update to a UE behavior policy associated withthe UE. In some embodiments, the computer-executable program codeinstructions comprising program code instructions may further beconfigured, upon execution, to provide, to the UE, UE configurationupdate information, wherein the UE configuration update informationincludes an indication of an updated version of the associated UEbehavior policy. In some embodiments, subscription information to a UEbehavior policy is received in an instance a policy control functionupdates the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to receive one or more authorization flags, wherein the oneor more authorization flags are indicative of whether a visited PLMN orthe PLMN identity of a visited PLMN is authorized to modify the UEbehavior policy for one or more of the components of the UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the PLMN is at least one of a home public landmobile network (HPLMN) type or a visited public land mobile network(VPLMN) type. In some embodiments, the registration request messagefurther includes information indicating the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of UE behavior policy.

In one example embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving,at user equipment, from a network entity of a communications system, inresponse to a registration request message previously transmitted fromthe UE to the network entity, a registration accept message comprisingUE configuration information, wherein the UE configuration informationincludes an indication of one or more of one or more PLMN types or PLMNidentities associated with a UE behavior for the UE. The method mayfurther include adapting UE behavior according to a received UE behavioraccording to a UE behavior policy indicated in the registration acceptmessage.

In some embodiments, the method further includes storing the or morePLMN types or PLMN identities and the respective version of anassociated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, to thenetwork entity, a registration request message, wherein the registrationrequest message comprises an indication of whether the UE supports orrequires the configuration of a UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the method further includes storing, at the UE, arespective version of a UE behavior associated with said one or morePLMN types or PLMN identities, wherein said storing is performed priorto receiving said registration accept message at the UE. In someembodiments, storing the respective version of the UE behaviorassociated is performed upon receipt of a prior registration acceptmessage comprising UE configuration information.

In some embodiments, the registration request message further includesan indication of a version of a currently configured UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, the registration accept message further includesinstructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI of aconfigured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UEconfiguration information further includes an indication of a respectiveversion of a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus is provided with means forreceiving, at user equipment, from a network entity of a communicationssystem, in response to a registration request message previouslytransmitted from the UE to the network entity, a registration acceptmessage comprising UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of oneor more PLMN types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behavior forthe UE. The apparatus may further be configured with means for adaptingUE behavior according to a received UE behavior according to a UEbehavior policy indicated in the registration accept message.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further be configured with meansfor storing the or more PLMN types or PLMN identities and the respectiveversion of an associated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further be configured with meansfor providing, to the network entity, a registration request message,wherein the registration request message comprises an indication ofwhether the UE supports or requires the configuration of a UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is further configured with means forstoring, at the UE, a respective version of a UE behavior associatedwith said one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities, wherein saidstoring is performed prior to receiving said registration accept messageat the UE. In some embodiments, storing the respective version of the UEbehavior associated is performed upon receipt of a prior registrationaccept message comprising UE configuration information.

In some embodiments, the registration request message further includesan indication of a version of a currently configured UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, the registration accept message further includesinstructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI of aconfigured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UEconfiguration information further includes an indication of a respectiveversion of a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus can be provided thatcomprises at least one processor and at least one memory includingcomputer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memoryand the computer program code configured to, with the at least oneprocessor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, at user equipment,from a network entity of a communications system, in response to aregistration request message previously transmitted from the UE to thenetwork entity, a registration accept message comprising UEconfiguration information, wherein the UE configuration informationincludes an indication of one or more of one or more PLMN types or PLMNidentities associated with a UE behavior for the UE. The at least onememory and the computer program code may further be configured to, withthe at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to adapt UEbehavior according to a received UE behavior according to a UE behaviorpolicy indicated in the registration accept message.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer programcode may further be configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the apparatus at least to store the or more PLMN types or PLMNidentities and the respective version of an associated UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer programcode may further be configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the apparatus at least to, provide, to the network entity, aregistration request message, wherein the registration request messagecomprises an indication of whether the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of a UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer programcode may further be configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the apparatus at least to, store, at the UE, a respective versionof a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types or PLMNidentities, wherein said storing is performed prior to receiving saidregistration accept message at the UE. In some embodiments, storing therespective version of the UE behavior associated is performed uponreceipt of a prior registration accept message comprising UEconfiguration information.

In some embodiments, the registration request message further includesan indication of a version of a currently configured UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, the registration accept message further includesinstructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI of aconfigured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UEconfiguration information further includes an indication of a respectiveversion of a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities.

In another example embodiment, a computer program product can beprovided that comprises at least one non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium having computer-executable program code instructionsstored therein, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions configured, upon execution, toreceive, at user equipment, from a network entity of a communicationssystem, in response to a registration request message previouslytransmitted from the UE to the network entity, a registration acceptmessage comprising UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of oneor more PLMN types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behavior forthe UE. The computer-executable program code instructions comprisingprogram code instructions may further be configured, upon execution, toadapt UE behavior according to a received UE behavior according to a UEbehavior policy indicated in the registration accept message.

In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to store the or more PLMN types or PLMN identities and therespective version of an associated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to provide, to the network entity, a registration requestmessage, wherein the registration request message comprises anindication of whether the UE supports or requires the configuration of aUE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to, store, at the UE, a respective version of a UE behaviorassociated with said one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities, whereinsaid storing is performed prior to receiving said registration acceptmessage at the UE. In some embodiments, storing the respective versionof the UE behavior associated is performed upon receipt of a priorregistration accept message comprising UE configuration information.

In some embodiments, the registration request message further includesan indication of a version of a currently configured UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, the registration accept message further includesinstructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI of aconfigured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UEconfiguration information further includes an indication of a respectiveversion of a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described certain example embodiments of the presentdisclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to theaccompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, andwherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an example system environment in which implementations inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention may beperformed;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a core network apparatus configured inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates example transmissions within a communication systemfor determining a user equipment policy for the user equipment inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates example transmissions within a communication systemfor determining a user equipment policy for the user equipment asdecided by a policy control function in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example workflow of various components of acommunication system in accordance with an example embodiment; and

FIG. 6 illustrates an example workflow of various components of acommunication system in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example workflow of various components of acommunication system in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention will now be described morefully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in whichsome, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like referencenumerals refer to like elements throughout. As used herein, the terms“data,” “content,” “information,” and similar terms may be usedinterchangeably to refer to data capable of being transmitted, receivedand/or stored in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.Thus, use of any such terms should not be taken to limit the spirit andscope of embodiments of the present invention.

Additionally, as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ refers to (a)hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analogcircuitry and/or digital circuitry); (b) combinations of circuits andcomputer program product(s) comprising software and/or firmwareinstructions stored on one or more computer readable memories that worktogether to cause an apparatus to perform one or more functionsdescribed herein; and (c) circuits, such as, for example, amicroprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requiresoftware or firmware for operation even if the software or firmware isnot physically present. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to alluses of this term herein, including in any claims. As a further example,as used herein, the term ‘circuitry’ also includes an implementationcomprising one or more processors and/or portion(s) thereof andaccompanying software and/or firmware. As defined herein, a“computer-readable storage medium,” which refers to a physical storagemedium (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory device), may bedifferentiated from a “computer-readable transmission medium,” whichrefers to an electromagnetic signal.

Third generation partnership project (3GPP) 5th generation (5G)technology is a next generation of radio systems and networkarchitecture that can deliver extreme broadband and ultra-robust, lowlatency connectivity. 5G technology improves a variety oftelecommunication services offered to the end users, and helps tosupport massive broadband that delivers gigabytes of bandwidth persecond on demand for both the uplink and downlink transmissions. Nextgeneration systems, which utilize the 5G architecture, utilizevirtualized radio access network (RAN) functions and core networkfunctions.

Embodiments will be illustrated herein in conjunction with examplecommunication systems and associated techniques for providing datatransport in communication systems. It should be understood, however,that the scope of the claims is not limited to particular types ofcommunication systems and/or processes disclosed. Embodiments can beimplemented in a wide variety of other types of communication systems,using alternative processes and operations. For example, althoughillustrated in the context of wireless cellular systems utilizing 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP) system elements such as a 3GPPnext generation system (5G), the disclosed embodiments can be adapted ina straightforward manner to a variety of other types of communicationsystems.

In accordance with illustrative embodiments implemented in a 5Gcommunication system environment, one or more 3GPP technicalspecifications (TS) and technical reports (TR) provide furtherexplanation of user equipment and network elements/functions and/oroperations that interact with one or more illustrative embodiments,e.g., the 3GPP TS 23.501, 3GPP TS 23.502, 3GPP TS 33.501, and 3GPP TR33.899. Other 3GPP TS/TR documents provide other conventional detailsthat one of ordinary skill in the art will realize. However, whileillustrative embodiments are well-suited for implementation associatedwith the above-mentioned 5G-related 3GPP standards, alternativeembodiments are not necessarily intended to be limited to any particularstandards.

In a 5G network, network slicing is a concept for running multiplelogical networks as virtually independent business operations on acommon physical infrastructure. A network slice is considered as anindependent virtualized end-to-end network. Currently, standardizationefforts are being made on simplifying the way network slices aredefined, how user equipment register and deregister with a networkslice, and how a protocol data unit (PDU) session is admitted to anetwork slice. However, under the current 3GPP specifications, enforcingsuch activities is complex and typically rests with the user equipment,meaning the network operator has little control over user equipmentbehavior during such activities. While the present disclosure maydescribe the invention in conjunction with a 5G communications system,the invention also applies to and comprises other networks and networktechnologies, such as 4G, LTE, 3G, etc. without limitation.

Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided inaccordance with example embodiments to determine which user equipmentpolicy to apply to a user equipment and thereby, provide for operatorcontrol of user equipment behavior in registering and deregistering withnetwork slices and establishing and releasing PDU sessions in acommunication system.

In communications systems, such as a 5G system, a user equipment (UE)may subscribe to one or more network slices. The UE subscription caninclude several network slices, each identified by network sliceselection assistance information (NSSAI). A network slice may thereforebe identified by single network slice selection assistance information(S-NSSAI). One or more of these S-NSSAIs may be marked as defaultS-NSSAIs. A default S-NSSAI may identify a network slice the UE can orshould be using if the UE is not requesting any network slice inparticular in the requested NSSA, e.g., before it is configured with aConfigured NSSAII. Under current standards such as those mentionedherein, and in an instance in which the UE has been configured with aConfigured NSSAI, these current standards leave the UE totally free torequest any of these based on local logic. As such, there is noconstraint on the behavior according to which the UE requests one ormore of the Configured NSSAI. Under the current standards, the onlymechanism available is for the home public land mobile network (HPLMN)of the UE to configure the UE with a Default configured NSSAI the UEwould use when it has not yet received a Configured NSSAI in the ServingPLMN.

However, there are several problems with this approach, which includesthat the UE may, at any time, omit to request a S-NSSAI the operatorintends the UE to use to, e.g., provide it with essential services orupdates. Also, many UEs on the market today are configured to, in suchinstances, proceed to request all S-NSSAIs in the configured NSSAIwithout any regard for the actual need, which may mean that, forinstance, operators will find no use to deploy network slice-specificAccess and Mobility management Functions (AMFs) as all UEs that behavein this way will typically end up in AMFs that support all the S-NSSAIsat the same time. Such a circumstance for the network may mean that onlygeneral AMFs are used and must either switch between network slices orbe configured for functioning within or between multiple network slices,which can lead to inefficient network messaging, a lack of specializednetwork slicing, inefficient signaling of NSSAI, and/or the like. Forinstance, under the current standards and related network/UEconfigurations, a UE that is configured for a massive internet of things(MIoT) slice and an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice, willtypically or always end up in an AMF that supports both, even if the UEseldom needs to use the eMBB (e.g., only when the UE needs its softwareto be updated). AMFs specific for MIoT have been one of the main drivesof network slicing and, e.g., in an evolved packet system (EPS) ofDedicated core networks, were defined to, e.g., support mobilitymanagement entities (MMEs) devoted to internet of things (IoT)technology and connectivity mainly or only (e.g., MMEs that manage smallamounts of data and/or seldom connect a large number of devices, or thatsupport small data transmission on a control plane).

According to the current standards, if the UE has access to or isconfigured for access to greater than or equal to a particular number ofnetwork slices, such as greater than eight network slices, then the UEcan or will apply a logic that is outside of network operator control indeciding which of the eight or more network slices not to request.

Conversely, some UEs may decide to only request one network slice inassociation with an application and then abandon the requested networkslice after the application that needed it has stopped using it. Someoperators may want to minimize this type of behavior if the applicationsare launched and released rather frequently. Operators therefore have noway to enforce a network slice registration/deregistration behavior forUEs or UE behavior regarding associating a PDU session with a networkslice. According to the current relevant standards, an operator thatonly deploys AMFs that serve all network slices at the same time, forinstance, may indeed want to enforce all UEs to minimize the UE joiningand leaving network slices by registration procedures, as indeed theywould be at least quasi pointless in their network—unless, for instance,some of the network slices also have a limitation on the number of UEsconnected, require extra authentication and authorization for a UE toconnect, or have a default Access Point Name (APN).

As such, according to the current relevant standards, the operatortypically have no way to configure UE, e.g., with a hysteresis timer, tocause the UE to determine when to abandon a network slice after the lastapplication that used that network slice stops doing so. Ifapplications, e.g., operated by a UE, join and leave network slicesfrequently (e.g., join and leave a network slice greater than a certainnumber of times per unit time) this may cause undesirable signalingload.

As such, described herein are methods, apparatuses, and computer programproducts to resolve some or all of the described limitations of thecurrent relevant standards, and/or other limitations of the currentrelevant standards. Such methods, apparatuses, and computer programproducts are thus described that allow the operators to control UEbehavior. By allowing control, by the network operator, network sliceoperator, APN operator, AMF operator, or another network entity, of UEbehavior, may allow operators to tune UE behavior in their network,network slice, or network entity in a manner tailored to theirdeployment and in a manner that may minimize signaling load and reduceunnecessary bandwidth being dedicated to such signaling andregistration/deregistration and other such activities. A similarapproach can also be adopted inside a network slice to control which PDUsessions shall be established and which can be established or should beestablished, e.g., only upon an application requesting them. Accordingto the current relevant standards, there is currently no requirement fora UE to establish PDU sessions with a Data Network Name (DNN), e.g.,only when an application needs it, if these are configured in a UE routeselection policy (URSP). Said otherwise, the described approach allowsoperators to control UE behavior in forming a Requested NSSAI and inrequesting PDU sessions inside a network slice.

In some embodiments, a UE operator may control UE behavior based atleast in part on UE behavior information as associated with at least oneof an associated HPLMN or a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN).For example, an HPLMN may provide UE behavior information to control UEbehavior and provide no authorization to change UE behavior by a VPLMN.As such, a UE operator may control UE behavior based at least in part onUE behavior information from the associated HPLMN. As another example, aHPLMN may not provide information to control UE behavior and thus, aVPLMN may provide UE behavior information. As such, a UE operator maycontrol UE behavior based at least in part on UE behavior informationfrom the associated VPLMN. As yet another example, in an instance theHPLMN provides authorization for a VPLMN to change UE behavior, a UEoperator may control UE behavior based at least in part on UE behaviorinformation associated with the HPLMN, VPLMN, or a combination thereof(e.g., using UE behavior information from both an HPLMN and VPLMN).

In some embodiments, a network entity and/or a UE can be configured suchthat an operator of the network can control UE behavior. In someembodiments, in addition to being capable of providing the ConfiguredNSSAI and URSP to the UE, the network entity may also provide the UEwith configuration information that instructs the UE to reconfigure theUE to control the behavior in forming the Requested NSSAI, and also inestablishing PDU sessions. This information may be on a per S-NSSAIbasis, on a per DNN basis, and/or a global basis.

FIG. 1 depicts an example communication system environment in whichimplementations in accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention may be performed. The depiction of system environment 100 inFIG. 1 is not intended to limit or otherwise confine the embodimentsdescribed and contemplated herein to any particular configuration ofelements or systems, nor is it intended to exclude any alternativeconfigurations or systems for the set of configurations and systems thatcan be used in connection with embodiments of the present invention.Rather, FIG. 1 , and the system environment 100 disclosed therein ismerely presented to provide an example basis and context for thefacilitation of some of the features, aspects, and uses of the methods,apparatuses, and computer program products disclosed and contemplatedherein. It will be understood that while many of the aspects andcomponents presented in FIG. 1 are shown as discrete, separate elements,other configurations may be used in connection with the methods,apparatuses, and computer programs described herein, includingconfigurations that combine, omit, and/or add aspects and/or components.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the system environment includes one or more userequipment (UE) 102 configured to communicate wirelessly, such as via anaccess network, with a network 106. Although the user equipment may beconfigured in a variety of different manners, the user equipment may beembodied as a mobile terminal, such as a portable digital assistant(PDA), mobile phone, smartphone, pager, mobile television, gamingdevice, laptop computer, camera, tablet computer, communicator, pad,headset, touch surface, video recorder, audio/video player, radio,electronic book, positioning device (e.g., global positioning system(GPS) device), or any combination of the aforementioned, and other typesof voice and text and multi-modal communications systems. Systemenvironment 100, as depicted in FIG. 1 , also includes one or moreaccess points 104 a and 104 b, such as base stations, including but notlimited to node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNB), or the like. A cellularaccess point, such as a base station, may define and service one or morecells. The access points may, in turn, be in communication with anetwork 106, such as a core network via a gateway, such that the accesspoints establish cellular radio access networks by which the userequipment 102 may communicate with the network. The system environment100 of FIG. 1 may include a plurality of different cellular radio accesscells and/or networks or parts of such networks including, for example,a 5G radio access network, an LTE (Long-Term Evolution) radio accessnetwork, a UMTS (universal mobile telecommunications system) radioaccess network, etc. In some example implementations, equipment andother infrastructure associated with multiple different cellular radioaccess networks may be located at or near structures and/or otherequipment associated with a particular access point, such as accesspoint 104 a and 104 b.

In some implementations of system environment 100, the cellular radioaccess networks serviced by access points 104 a, 104 b, and any otheraccess points in a given area are identical, in the sense that as userequipment 102 moves from an area serviced by access point 104 a to anarea serviced by access point 104 b. The user equipment 102 is able toaccess the network 106 via a radio access network provided across accesspoints. Although not shown, the system may also include a controllerassociated with one or more of the cellular access points, such as, basestations, for example, so as to facilitate operation of the accesspoints and management of the user equipment 102 in communicationtherewith. As shown in FIG. 1 , a system may also include one or morewireless local area networks (WLANs), each of which may be serviced by aWLAN access point 108 configured to establish wireless communicationswith the user equipment. As such, the user equipment may communicatewith the network via a WLAN access point as shown in solid lines in FIG.1 , or, alternatively, via a cellular access point as shown in dashedlines. The radio access networks as well as the core networks mayconsist of additional network elements as routers, switches, servers,gateways, and/or controllers.

In this regard, the implementation and/or allocation of a network slicewithin a network environment can be accomplished by an apparatus 200 asdepicted in FIG. 2 . The apparatus may be embodied by and/orincorporated into one or more UEs, such as user equipment 102, or any ofthe other devices discussed with respect to FIG. 1 , such as accesspoints 104 a and/or 104 b, one or more of WLAN access points 108, and/ordevices that may be incorporated or otherwise associated with systemenvironment 100. Alternatively, the apparatus 200 may be embodied byanother device, external to such devices. For example, the apparatus maybe embodied by a computing device, such as a personal computer, acomputer workstation, a server or the like, or by any of various mobilecomputing devices, such as a mobile terminal, including but not limitedto a smartphone, a tablet computer, or the like, for example.

In some embodiments, the system environment 100 may include one or moreof the following network functions (NF): Authentication Server Function(AUSF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Data Network(DN), e.g. operator services, Internet access or 3rd party services,Unstructured Data Storage Function (UDSF), Network Exposure Function(NEF), Network Repository Function (NRF), Network Slice SelectionFunction (NSSF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Session ManagementFunction (SMF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository(UDR), User Plane Function (UPF), UE radio Capability ManagementFunction (UCMF), Application Function (AF), User Equipment (UE), NextGeneration-Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), 5G-Equipment Identity Register(5G-EIR), Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF), and Charging Function(CHF). The system environment may further comprise the following networkentities: Service Communication Proxy (SCP) and Security Edge ProtectionProxy (SEPP).

Regardless of the manner in which the apparatus 200 is embodied, theapparatus of an example embodiment is configured to include or otherwisebe in communication with a processor 202 and a memory device 204 andoptionally the user interface 206 and/or a communication interface 208.In some embodiments, the processor (and/or co-processors or any otherprocessing circuitry assisting or otherwise associated with theprocessor) may be in communication with the memory device via a bus forpassing information among components of the apparatus. The memory devicemay be non-transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatileand/or non-volatile memories. In other words, for example, the memorydevice may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a computer readablestorage medium) comprising gates configured to store data (e.g., bits)that may be retrievable by a machine (e.g., a computing device like theprocessor). The memory device may be configured to store information,data, content, applications, instructions, or the like for enabling theapparatus to carry out various functions in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention. For example, the memory devicecould be configured to buffer input data for processing by theprocessor. Additionally or alternatively, the memory device could beconfigured to store instructions for execution by the processor.

As described above, the apparatus 200 may be embodied by a computingdevice. However, in some embodiments, the apparatus may be embodied as achip or chip set. In other words, the apparatus may comprise one or morephysical packages (e.g., chips) including materials, components and/orwires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard). The structuralassembly may provide physical strength, conservation of size, and/orlimitation of electrical interaction for component circuitry includedthereon. The apparatus may therefore, in some cases, be configured toimplement an embodiment of the present invention on a single chip or asa single “system on a chip.” As such, in some cases, a chip or chipsetmay constitute means for performing one or more operations for providingthe functionalities described herein.

The processor 202 may be embodied in a number of different ways. Forexample, the processor may be embodied as one or more of varioushardware processing means including processing circuitry, such as acoprocessor, a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor(DSP), a processing element with or without an accompanying DSP, orvarious other processing circuitry including integrated circuits suchas, for example, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), anFPGA (field programmable gate array), a microcontroller unit (MCU), ahardware accelerator, a special-purpose computer chip, or the like. Assuch, in some embodiments, the processor may include one or moreprocessing cores configured to perform independently. A multi-coreprocessor may enable multiprocessing within a single physical package.Additionally or alternatively, the processor may include one or moreprocessors configured in tandem via the bus to enable independentexecution of instructions, pipelining and/or multithreading.

In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to executeinstructions stored in the memory device 204 or otherwise accessible tothe processor. Alternatively or additionally, the processor may beconfigured to execute hard coded functionality. As such, whetherconfigured by hardware or software methods, or by a combination thereof,the processor may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied incircuitry) capable of performing operations according to an embodimentof the present invention while configured accordingly. Thus, forexample, when the processor is embodied as an ASIC, FPGA or the like,the processor may be specifically configured hardware for conducting theoperations described herein. Alternatively, as another example, when theprocessor is embodied as an executor of software instructions, theinstructions may specifically configure the processor to perform thealgorithms and/or operations described herein when the instructions areexecuted. However, in some cases, the processor may be a processor of aspecific device (e.g., a pass-through display or a mobile terminal)configured to employ an embodiment of the present invention by furtherconfiguration of the processor by instructions for performing thealgorithms and/or operations described herein. The processor mayinclude, among other things, a clock, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) andlogic gates configured to support operation of the processor.

The apparatus 200 may optionally include the communication interface208. The communication interface may be any means such as a device orcircuitry embodied in either hardware or a combination of hardware andsoftware that is configured to receive and/or transmit data from/to anetwork and/or any other device or module in communication with theapparatus. In this regard, the communication interface may include, forexample, an antenna (or multiple antennas) and supporting hardwareand/or software for enabling communications with a wirelesscommunication network. Additionally or alternatively, the communicationinterface may include the circuitry for interacting with the antenna(s)to cause transmission of signals via the antenna(s) or to handle receiptof signals received via the antenna(s). In some environments, thecommunication interface may alternatively or also support wiredcommunication. As such, for example, the communication interface mayinclude a communication modem and/or other hardware/software forsupporting communication via cable, digital subscriber line (DSL),universal serial bus (USB) or other mechanisms.

Provided hereinbelow, are example transmissions between UE and a networkentity. The below example transmissions provide the foreseen steps ormessaging needed. Information between “[ ]” is optional and may beincluded if, e.g., at the same time as when the UE behavior isconfigured, the UE is provided with configured NSSAI and/or URSP.

FIG. 3 illustrates example transmissions between a UE and variousnetwork entities of a communication system for configuring a UE with aUE behavior policy.

In operation 0, a UE 301 may provide an initial REGISTRATION REQUESTmessage in a PLMN (e.g., VPLMN or HPLMN) to AMF 303 via the (radio)access network ((R)AN) node 302. The REGISTRATION REQUEST message mayindicate whether the UE is currently configured with UE behavior from anHPLMN or a VPLMN and/or may provide an indication of the currentlyconfigured UE behavior. In some embodiments, the registration requestmessage may include an indication of whether the UE supports or requiresthe configuration of a UE behavior policy. The AMF 303 may determine oneor more PLMN types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behavior forthe UE 301 based at least in part on the registration request message. APLMN type may include a HPLMN type or a VPLMN type. A PLMN identity mayprovide an indication of which aspects (i.e., features, values, etc.) ofa UE behavior are configured by a respective PLMN (e.g., a HPLMN orVPLMN). In some embodiments, the REGISTRATION REQUEST may furtherprovide an indication of the version of the UE behavior policy.

In operation 1, the AMF 303 may retrieve access and mobility informationfrom UDM 304. The access and mobility information may include an accessand mobility management non-access stratum temporary identifier. Thenon-access stratum temporary identifier may correspond to a sessionmanagement non-access stratum temporary identifier in an instance thenon-access stratum message is a session management non-access stratummessage. In some embodiments, the non-access stratum temporaryidentifier corresponds to an access and mobility management non-accessstratum temporary identifier in an instance the non-access stratummessage is a protocol data unit session establishment non-access stratummessage.

Furthermore, the AMF 303 may request and/or retrieve a UE behaviorpolicy from the UDM 304 based at least in part on at least one of one ormore PLMN types or PLMN identities or version of the associated UEbehavior policy. In particular, the AMF 303 may provide an indication ofthe version of the UE behavior policy to the UDM 304 and in turn, theUDM 304 may provide the UE behavior policy to the AMF 303. The UEbehavior policy may describe the UE behavior control for UE 301.Additionally, in some embodiments, the UE behavior policy may describeone or more authorization flags. The one or more authorization flags maybe indicative of whether a VPLMN is authorized to modify the UE behaviorpolicy. In some embodiments, the AMF 304 may request the UE behaviorpolicy from the UDM 304 during a Nudm_UECM_registration message betweenthe AMF 303 and the UDM 304.

In some embodiments, an HPLMN may selectively provide authorization forspecific parts of the UE behavior policy. For example, the HPLMN mayallow changing and/or setting of the UE behavior of registering with aparticular network slice or all configured network slices based at leastin part on a usage. As another example, the HPLMN may allow changingand/or setting the UE behavior of a time before a UE can decide tode-register with a specific network slice. In some embodiments, theHPLMN may also provide a range for the settings of policies in a VPLMNor may set maximum values and/or minimum values for UE behaviorpolicies, where applicable.

In operation 2, the AMF 303 may complete the registration request forthe UE 301. In some embodiments, the AMF 303 may provide a REGISTRATIONACCEPT message to UE 301. The REGISTRATION ACCEPT message can includeConfigured NSSAI, UE behavior assistance information, and/or the like.In some embodiments, the network entity (e.g., AMF) can transmit such aREGISTRATION ACCEPT message (e.g., comprising UE behavior assistanceinformation) to the UE such that the UE can be configured to follow thenetwork entity instructions for control of UE behavior duringregistration/deregistration and/or PDU session establishment/release.Additionally, the REGISTRATION ACCEPT message may also include anindication of whether the UE behavior policy is associated with theHPLMN or VPLMN associated with the UE 301.

Once the UE 301 receives the REGISTRATION ACCEPT message, the UE canapply the new behavior provided by the network in the UE behaviorassistance information, for example, or provide otherwise. In someembodiments, the UE behavior assistance information can provideinstructions that the UE be configured to request all S-NSSAIs in theConfigured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UE behavior assistanceinformation can provide instructions that the UE be configured to, bydefault, request any S-NSSAIs of a Serving PLMN which maps to S-NSSAIsin the Default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UE behaviorassistance information can provide instructions that the UE beconfigured to always at least request a well-specified subset of theS-NSSAIs in the Configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, thewell-specified subset of the S-NSSAIs in the Configured NSSAI can be orcomprise at least the default S-NSSAIs that the HPLMN provides. In someembodiments, the well-specified subset can be identified by flagsassociated with some or each S-NS SAI provided to the UE in theConfigured NSSAI or in the Default Configured NSSAI. In someembodiments, the UE behavior assistance information can provideinstructions that the UE be configured to only request S-NSSAIs whichhave active applications associated therewith, e.g., applicationsoperated by the UE. In some embodiments, the UE behavior assistanceinformation can provide instructions that the UE be configured to, ifthe UE is configured to only request an S-NSSA if active applicationsare using the network slice, provide an explicit timer that causes theUE to release a network slice that is no longer used by any application,e.g., by excluding the network slice to be released from the nextRequested NSSAI, so the operator can implement a sort of hysteresis.

In operation 3, the AMF 303 may subscribe to subscription informationupdates from the UDM 304. The AMF 303 may subscribe to such updates viaa Nudm_SDM_subscribe message. When the AMF 303 subscribes tosubscription information updates, the AMF 303 may receive one or moreupdates pertaining to an associated UE behavior policy in an instancethe UE behavior policy is changed and/or modified in an associatedHPLMN.

In operation 4, in an instance the AMF 303 receives one or more updatespertaining to an associated UE behavior policy for a UE 301, the AMF 303may attempt to provide UE 301 with a configuration update. However, ifUE 301 is not in a connection management (CM) connected mode, the AMF303 may provide a network triggered service request to UE 301.Alternatively, the UE 301 may provide the service request to AMF 303.

In operation 5, once the UE 301 is in CM connected mode, AMF 303 mayprovide a UE configuration update to UE 301. In some embodiments, a UEconfiguration update can be operable to provide for operator control ofUE behavior in registering and deregistering with network slices and/orestablishing and releasing PDU sessions in the communication system. Insome embodiments, the AMF may, based for instance on local policy orinformation received from the UDM, determine the desired UE behavior forRequested NSSAI formation and/or for DNN establishment, with regard to aparticular UE, a particular network slice, globally with regard to thenetwork or communications system, and/or the like. In some embodiments,the UE configuration update command message may comprise ConfiguredNSSAI, URSP, other identifying information regarding the network,network slice, a PDU session, the AMF, and/or the like. In someembodiments, the UE configuration update command message may furthercomprise UE behavior assistance information, which may be similar to orthe same as the UE behavior assistance information. In some embodiments,UE behavior assistance information may include an indication as towhether the associated UE policy is from an HPLMN, a VPLMN, or acombination thereof and/or the UE behavior policy version. In someembodiments, in an instance the PLMN type or PLMN identity is indicativeof a VPLMN type or VPLMN identity and the UE behavior policy allows acorresponding VPLMN to change one or more aspects of the UE behaviorpolicy (as allowed by the HPLMN), UE configuration update informationmay include an indication of an updated version of the associated UEbehavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity. As such, a VPLMNmay locally change a UE behavior policy without need of any update of asubscription to an HPLMN.

For instance, a message can be transmitted from a network entity, suchas an AMF, that includes a UE behavior assistance information and/or thelike. In some embodiments, the network entity (e.g., AMF) can transmitsuch a message (e.g., comprising UE behavior assistance information) tothe UE such that the UE can be configured to follow the network entityinstructions for control of UE behavior during establishment and/orrelease of a PDU session with a network slice. Once the UE receives themessage, the UE can apply the new behavior provided by the network inthe UE behavior assistance information, for example, or provideotherwise. In some embodiments, the UE behavior assistance informationcan provide instructions that the UE be configured to request allS-NSSAIs in the Configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UE behaviorassistance information can provide instructions that the UE beconfigured to, by default, request any S-NSSAIs of a Serving PLMN whichmaps to S-NSSAIs in the Default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments,the UE behavior assistance information can provide instructions that theUE be configured to always at least request a well-specified subset ofthe S-NSSAIs in the Configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, thewell-specified subset of the S-NSSAIs in the Configured NSSAI can be orcomprise at least the default S-NSSAIs that the HPLMN provides. In someembodiments, the well-specified subset can be identified by flagsassociated with some or each S-NSSAI provided to the UE in theConfigured NSSAI or in the Default Configured NSSAI. In someembodiments, the UE behavior assistance information can provideinstructions that the UE be configured to only request S-NSSAIs whichhave active applications associated therewith, e.g., applicationsoperated by the UE. In some embodiments, the UE behavior assistanceinformation can provide instructions that the UE be configured to, ifthe UE is configured to only request an S-NSSA if active applicationsare using the network slice, provide an explicit timer that causes theUE to release a network slice that is no longer used by any application,e.g., by excluding the network slice to be released from the nextRequested NSSAI, so the operator can implement a sort of hysteresis.

In some embodiments, the UE behavior assistance information can provideinstructions that the UE be configured to always establish all PDUsessions associated with a S-NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UE behaviorassistance information can provide instructions that the UE beconfigured to, by default, establish a specific PDU session or subset ofPDU sessions. In some embodiments, the specific PDU session or subset ofPDU sessions can be identified explicitly in the UE configurationinformation or a message comprising the same. In some embodiments, UEconfiguration information can be provided in a URSP by associating aflag to a DNN associated with a S-NSSAI. In some embodiments, theServing PLMN may use local policy or the default DNN for the S-NSSAIprovided by the HPLMN, if any.

In certain example embodiments, UE may be configured to maintain andupdate a database of UE configuration information in local storage. Ifthe network has, for instance, previously provided relevant UEconfiguration information to the UE (e.g., in a prior registrationaccept or otherwise), the network may be configured to provide anidentification of PLMN type(s) or PLMN Id(s) (e.g., without indicationof the respective version of UE behavior) within subsequent UEconfiguration information of the registration accept message. Inresponse to receipt of the subsequent UE configuration information, theUE may be configured to look-up the corresponding version information inlocal storage and adapt the UE's behavior according to a correspondingUE behavior policy (e.g., also stored in the database). Thus, the UE maybe configured to store a UE behavior policy and associated versioninformation in local storage for subsequent use. Alternatively, the UEmay be configured to store a default UE behavior policy that correspondsto one or more PLMN type(s) or PLMN Id(s) in local storage forsubsequent use.

In some embodiments, the UE behavior assistance information can,optionally, be provided in or with a downlink non access stratumtransport message, from the network entity, to the user equipment. Insome other embodiments, the UE behavior assistance information can be,optionally, provided in or with a UE configuration update message fromthe network entity to the user equipment. In some embodiments, the UEbehavior assistance information can comprise configuration informationcomprising instructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI ofa configured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, theregistration acceptance or rejection message, the downlink non accessstratum transport message, or a UE configuration update message cancomprise instructions for the user equipment to always request a subsetof S-NSSAIs in the configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the subset ofS-NSSAIs may be indicated explicitly or it is identified by one or moreflags associated with each S-NSSAI provided to the user equipment in theconfigured NSSAI or the default configured NSSAI, wherein said one ormore S-NSSAIs are determined by the network based on local policy orbased on information received from the subscription information of theuser equipment. In some embodiments, the registration acceptance orrejection message, the downlink non access stratum transport message, orthe UE configuration update message can comprise instructions for theuser equipment to only request S-NSSAIs which have active applications.In some embodiments, the registration acceptance or rejection message,the downlink non access stratum transport message, or the UEconfiguration update message can comprise instructions for the userequipment to release network slices that are no longer used by anyapplication, thereby excluding released network slices from a nextrequested NSSAI.

At operation 6, the UE 301 may provide a UE configuration updatecomplete message to AMF 303. The UE configuration update completemessage may include an acknowledgement that the UE 301 successfullyreceived the UE configuration update and/or performed the associatedupdates.

At operation 7, the AMF 303 may provide an acknowledgement that the UE301 has been successfully configured to the UDM 304. The AMF may providethis acknowledgement in instances where the HPLMN provides the UEbehavior policy. In some embodiments, the AMF 303 may provide theacknowledgement via a Nudm_SDM_Info request message.

FIG. 4 illustrates example transmissions between a UE and variousnetwork entities of a communication system for configuring UE behaviorusing a UE configuration update procedure.

At operation 0, a PCF 401 associated with an HPLMN may determine toupdate a UE behavior policy. The PCF 401 may securely configure the UEbehaviour using the UE Configuration Update procedure for transparent UEPolicy delivery as defined in clause 4.2.4.3 of TS 23.502. Thesepolicies are identified by means of a specific policy section identifier(PSI). The HPLMN may include one or more PSIs for policies which can beauthorized to be modified by a VPLMN, such as by using one or moreauthentication flags.

At operation 1, the PCF 401 may provide an indication of the updated UEbehavior policy to AMF 301. The PCF 401 may provide the indication via aNamf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

At operation 2, the AMF 303 may attempt to provide UE 301 with aconfiguration update. However, if UE 301 is not in a connectionmanagement (CM) connected mode, the AMF 303 may provide a networktriggered service request to UE 301. Alternatively, the UE 301 mayprovide the service request to AMF 303.

In operation 3, once the UE 301 is in CM connected mode, AMF 303 mayprovide a UE configuration update to UE 301. Operation 3 of FIG. 4 maybe substantially similar with operation 5 as described in FIG. 3 .

At operation 4, the UE 301 may provide a UE configuration updatecomplete message to AMF 303. Operation 4 of FIG. 4 may be substantiallysimilar with operation 6 as described in FIG. 3 .

At operation 5, the AMF 303 may provide an acknowledgement that the UE301 has been successfully configured to the PCF 401. In someembodiments, the AMF 303 may provide the acknowledgement via aNamf_Communication_N1MessageNotify message.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , an example workflow of various components of acommunication system are illustrated in accordance with exampleembodiments, such as a UE, a R(AN), an AMF, a UDM, a PCF, or othercomponents previously described, e.g., in conjunction with otherfigures. Referring now to FIG. 5 , a method 500 is illustrated that canbe carried out by one or more of the described entities that comprisemean, such as the processor 202 and communication interface 208 or thelike, for receiving, at a network entity of a communications system,from user equipment, a registration request message, at 501. In someembodiments, the method 500 can comprise determining one or more PLMNtypes or one or more PLMN identities and a version of a UE behaviorpolicy for the UE, at 502. The one or more PLMN types or one or morePLMN identities and a version of a UE behavior policy for the UE may bedetermined based at least in part on the registration request message. APLMN type may include a HPLMN type or a VPLMN type. In some embodiments,the method 500 can comprise requesting a UE behavior policy, such asfrom a UDM. The request for the UE behavior policy may be based at leastin part on one or more PLMN types or one or more PLMN identities orversion of the associated UE behavior policy in response to a UEbehavior policy, at 503. In some embodiments, the method 500 furtherincludes receiving one or more authorization flags. The one or moreauthorization flags may be received along with the UE behavior policy.The one or more authorization flags are indicative of whether a visitedPLMN is authorized to modify the UE behavior policy. In someembodiments, the method 500 can comprise providing UE configurationinformation to the UE, at 504. The UE configuration information mayinclude an indication of the one or more PLMN types or one or more PLMNidentities and the version of the associated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, in an instance the PLMN type or PLMN identity isindicative of a VPLMN type or VPLMN identity and the UE behavior policyallows a corresponding VPLMN to change one or more aspects of the UEbehavior policy, the method 500 may include providing, to the UE, UEconfiguration update information, wherein the UE configuration updateinformation includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , an example workflow of various components of acommunication system are illustrated in accordance with exampleembodiments, such as a UE, a R(AN), an AMF, a UDM, a PCF, or othercomponents previously described, e.g., in conjunction with otherfigures. Referring now to FIG. 6 , a method 600 is illustrated that canbe carried out by one or more of the described entities that comprisemeans, such as the processor 202 and communication interface 208 or thelike, for subscribing to subscription information updates for a UEbehavior policy, at 601. In some embodiments, the method 600 cancomprise receiving a subscription information update to a UE behaviorpolicy, at 602. In some embodiments, subscription information to a UEbehavior policy is received in an instance a policy charging functionupdates the UE behavior policy. In some embodiments, the method 600 cancomprise providing UE configuration update information to the UE, at603. The UE configuration update information may include an indicationof an updated version of the associated UE behavior policy.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , an example workflow of various components of acommunication system are illustrated in accordance with exampleembodiments, such as a UE, a R(AN), an AMF, a UDM, a PCF, or othercomponents previously described, e.g., in conjunction with otherfigures. Referring now to FIG. 7 , a method 700 is illustrated that canbe carried out by one or more of the described entities that comprisemeans, such as the processor 202 and communication interface 208 or thelike, for providing a registration request message to a network entity,at 701. The registration request message comprises an indication ofwhether the UE supports or requires the configuration of a UE behaviorpolicy. In some embodiments, the registration request message furthercomprises an indication of a version of a currently configured UEbehavior policy. In some embodiments, the method 700 can comprisereceiving a registration accept message from the network, at 702. Theregistration accept message may include UE configuration information,which may include an indication of one or more of one or more PLMN typesor PLMN identities and a respective version of an associated UE behaviorpolicy. The registration accept message may include the UE behaviorpolicy. In some embodiments, the method 700 can comprise storing the oneor more PLMN types or PLMN identities and the respective version of anassociated UE behavior policy, such as received in the registrationaccept message. In some embodiments, the registration accept message mayinclude instructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI of aconfigured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the method700 may comprise adapting a UE behavior according to a UE behaviorpolicy indicated in the registration accept message.

In certain example embodiments, UE may be configured to maintain andupdate a database of UE configuration information in local storage. Ifthe network has, for instance, previously provided relevant UEconfiguration information to the UE (e.g., in a prior registrationaccept or otherwise), the network may be configured to provide anidentification of PLMN type(s) or PLMN Id(s) (e.g., without indicationof the respective version of UE behavior) within subsequent UEconfiguration information of the registration accept message. Inresponse to receipt of the subsequent UE configuration information, theUE may be configured to look-up the corresponding version information inlocal storage and adapt the UE's behavior according to a correspondingUE behavior policy (e.g., also stored in the database). Thus, the UE maybe configured to store a UE behavior policy and associated versioninformation in local storage for subsequent use. Alternatively, the UEmay be configured to store a default UE behavior policy that correspondsto one or more PLMN type(s) or PLMN Id(s) in local storage forsubsequent use.

As described above, the method, apparatus and computer program productof an example embodiment therefore provide an enforcement mechanism forthe maximum number of PDU sessions per network slice in a communicationsystem. The particular UE behavior policy for the UE may be determinedby the network entity. In some embodiments, the method, apparatus andcomputer program product provide the enforcement mechanism in a mannerthat emphasizes amongst the UEs having PDU sessions.

As described above, FIGS. 5-7 are flowcharts of various methods that canbe carried out by, e.g., the apparatus 200, and/or according to acomputer program product, according to example embodiments of thedisclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart, andcombinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may be implemented by variousmeans, such as hardware, firmware, processor, circuitry, and/or otherdevices associated with execution of software including one or morecomputer program instructions. For example, one or more of theprocedures described above may be embodied by computer programinstructions. In this regard, the computer program instructions whichembody the procedures described above may be stored by a memory device204 of an apparatus employing an embodiment of the present disclosureand executed by a processor 202 of the apparatus. As will beappreciated, any such computer program instructions may be loaded onto acomputer or other programmable apparatus (e.g., hardware) to produce amachine, such that the resulting computer or other programmableapparatus implements the functions specified in the flowchart blocks.These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that may direct a computer or otherprogrammable apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that theinstructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an articleof manufacture, the execution of which implements the function specifiedin the flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also beloaded onto a computer or other programmable apparatus to cause a seriesof operations to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide operations for implementing the functions specified inthe flowchart blocks.

A computer program product is therefore defined in those instances inwhich the computer program instructions, such as computer-readableprogram code portions, are stored by at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium with the computer program instructions,such as the computer-readable program code portions, being configured,upon execution, to perform the functions described above, such as, e.g.,in conjunction with the communications flowcharts of FIGS. 3-5 or aspart of the system of FIG. 1 . In other embodiments, the computerprogram instructions, such as the computer-readable program codeportions, need not be stored or otherwise embodied by a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium, but may, instead, be embodied by atransitory medium with the computer program instructions, such as thecomputer-readable program code portions, still being configured, uponexecution, to perform the functions described above.

Accordingly, blocks of the flowcharts support combinations of means forperforming the specified functions and combinations of operations forperforming the specified functions for performing the specifiedfunctions. It will also be understood that one or more blocks of theflowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts, may beimplemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems whichperform the specified functions, or combinations of special purposehardware and computer instructions.

In some embodiments, certain ones of the operations above may bemodified or further amplified. Furthermore, in some embodiments,additional optional operations may be included. Modifications,additions, or amplifications to the operations above may be performed inany order and in any combination.

As such, described herein are methods, apparatuses and computer programproducts are provided in accordance with example embodiments to providefor operator control of user equipment behavior in registering andderegistering with network slices and establishing and releasing PDUsessions in a communication system. The particular UE behavior policyfor the UE may be determined by the network entity.

In one example embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving,at a network entity of a communications system, from user equipment(UE), a registration request message. The method may further includedetermining i) one or more PLMN (public land mobile network) types orPLMN identities associated with a UE behavior for the UE and ii) aversion of an associated UE behavior policy respective of the one ormore PLMN types or PLMN identities, based at least in part on theregistration request message. The method may further include requestinga UE behavior policy from another network entity based at least in parton at least one of i) the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities orii) the version of the associated UE behavior policy in response to arequest for the UE behavior policy. The method may further includeproviding, to the UE, in a registration accept message UE configurationinformation, wherein the UE configuration information includes anindication of one or more of the PLMN types or PLMN identities and therespective version of the associated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the method may further include in an instance thePLMN type or PLMN identity is indicative of a visited public land mobilenetwork (VPLMN) type or VPLMN identity, and the UE behavior policyallows a corresponding VPLMN to change one or more aspects of the UEbehavior policy, providing, to the UE, UE configuration updateinformation, wherein the UE configuration update information includes anindication of an updated version of the associated UE behavior policyfor the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity.

In some embodiments, the method may further include subscribing tosubscription information updates for a UE behavior policy associatedwith the UE. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving,a subscription information update to a UE behavior policy associatedwith the UE. In some embodiments, the method further includes providing,to the UE, UE configuration update information, wherein the UEconfiguration update information includes an indication of an updatedversion of the associated UE behavior policy. In some embodiments,subscription information to a UE behavior policy is received in aninstance a policy control function updates the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving one or moreauthorization flags, wherein the one or more authorization flags areindicative of whether a visited PLMN or the PLMN identity of a visitedPLMN is authorized to modify the UE behavior policy for one or more ofthe components of the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the PLMN is at least one of a home public landmobile network (HPLMN) type or a visited public land mobile network(VPLMN) type. In some embodiments, the registration request messagefurther includes information indicating the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of UE behavior policy.

In one example embodiment, an apparatus is provided with means forreceiving, at a network entity of a communications system, from userequipment (UE), a registration request message. The apparatus mayfurther include means for determining i) one or more PLMN (public landmobile network) types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behaviorfor the UE and ii) a version of an associated UE behavior policyrespective of the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities, based atleast in part on the registration request message. The apparatus mayfurther include means for requesting a UE behavior policy from anothernetwork entity based at least in part on at least one of i) the one ormore PLMN types or PLMN identities or ii) the version of the associatedUE behavior policy in response to a request for the UE behavior policy.The apparatus may further include means for providing, to the UE, in aregistration accept message UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of thePLMN types or PLMN identities and the respective version of theassociated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means for, in aninstance the PLMN type or PLMN identity is indicative of a visitedpublic land mobile network (VPLMN) type or VPLMN identity, and the UEbehavior policy allows a corresponding VPLMN to change one or moreaspects of the UE behavior policy, providing, to the UE, UEconfiguration update information, wherein the UE configuration updateinformation includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means forsubscribing to subscription information updates for a UE behavior policyassociated with the UE. In some embodiments, the method further includesreceiving, a subscription information update to a UE behavior policyassociated with the UE. In some embodiments, the apparatus may furtherinclude means for providing, to the UE, UE configuration updateinformation, wherein the UE configuration update information includes anindication of an updated version of the associated UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, subscription information to a UE behavior policy isreceived in an instance a policy control function updates the UEbehavior policy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further include means forreceiving one or more authorization flags, wherein the one or moreauthorization flags are indicative of whether a visited PLMN or the PLMNidentity of a visited PLMN is authorized to modify the UE behaviorpolicy for one or more of the components of the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the PLMN is at least one of a home public landmobile network (HPLMN) type or a visited public land mobile network(VPLMN) type. In some embodiments, the registration request messagefurther includes information indicating the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of UE behavior policy.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus can be provided thatcomprises at least one processor and at least one memory includingcomputer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memoryand the computer program code configured to, with the at least oneprocessor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, at a network entityof a communications system, from user equipment (UE), a registrationrequest message. The apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to determine i) one or more PLMN (public land mobilenetwork) types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behavior for theUE and ii) a version of an associated UE behavior policy respective ofthe one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities, based at least in part onthe registration request message. The apparatus may include the computerprogram code further configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the apparatus at least to request a UE behavior policy fromanother network entity based at least in part on at least one of i) theone or more PLMN types or PLMN identities or ii) the version of theassociated UE behavior policy in response to a request for the UEbehavior policy. The apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to provide, to the UE, in a registration acceptmessage UE configuration information, wherein the UE configurationinformation includes an indication of one or more of the PLMN types orPLMN identities and the respective version of the associated UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to, in an instance the PLMN type or PLMN identity isindicative of a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) type or VPLMNidentity, and the UE behavior policy allows a corresponding VPLMN tochange one or more aspects of the UE behavior policy, provide, to theUE, UE configuration update information, wherein the UE configurationupdate information includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to subscribe to subscription information updates fora UE behavior policy associated with the UE. In some embodiments, theapparatus may include the computer program code further configured to,with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least toreceive, subscription information update to a UE behavior policyassociated with the UE. In some embodiments, the apparatus may includethe computer program code further configured to, with the at least oneprocessor, cause the apparatus at least to provide, to the UE, UEconfiguration update information, wherein the UE configuration updateinformation includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy. In some embodiments, subscriptioninformation to a UE behavior policy is received in an instance a policycontrol function updates the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may include the computer program codefurther configured to, with the at least one processor, cause theapparatus at least to receive one or more authorization flags, whereinthe one or more authorization flags are indicative of whether a visitedPLMN or the PLMN identity of a visited PLMN is authorized to modify theUE behavior policy for one or more of the components of the UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the PLMN is at least one of a home public landmobile network (HPLMN) type or a visited public land mobile network(VPLMN) type. In some embodiments, the registration request messagefurther includes information indicating the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of UE behavior policy.

In another example embodiment, a computer program product can beprovided that comprises at least one non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium having computer-executable program code instructionsstored therein, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions configured, upon execution, toreceive, at a network entity of a communications system, from userequipment (UE), a registration request message. The computer-executableprogram code instructions comprising program code instructions mayfurther be configured, upon execution, to determine i) one or more PLMN(public land mobile network) types or PLMN identities associated with aUE behavior for the UE and ii) a version of an associated UE behaviorpolicy respective of the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities,based at least in part on the registration request message. Thecomputer-executable program code instructions comprising program codeinstructions may further be configured, upon execution, to request a UEbehavior policy from another network entity based at least in part on atleast one of i) the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities or ii) theversion of the associated UE behavior policy in response to a requestfor the UE behavior policy. The computer-executable program codeinstructions comprising program code instructions may further beconfigured, upon execution, to provide, to the UE, in a registrationaccept message UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of thePLMN types or PLMN identities and the respective version of theassociated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to, in an instance the PLMN type or PLMN identity isindicative of a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) type or VPLMNidentity, and the UE behavior policy allows a corresponding VPLMN tochange one or more aspects of the UE behavior policy, provide, to theUE, UE configuration update information, wherein the UE configurationupdate information includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity.

In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to subscribe to subscription information updates for a UEbehavior policy associated with the UE. In some embodiments, thecomputer-executable program code instructions comprising program codeinstructions may further be configured, upon execution, to receive,subscription information update to a UE behavior policy associated withthe UE. In some embodiments, the computer-executable program codeinstructions comprising program code instructions may further beconfigured, upon execution, to provide, to the UE, UE configurationupdate information, wherein the UE configuration update informationincludes an indication of an updated version of the associated UEbehavior policy. In some embodiments, subscription information to a UEbehavior policy is received in an instance a policy control functionupdates the UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to receive one or more authorization flags, wherein the oneor more authorization flags are indicative of whether a visited PLMN orthe PLMN identity of a visited PLMN is authorized to modify the UEbehavior policy for one or more of the components of the UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the PLMN is at least one of a home public landmobile network (HPLMN) type or a visited public land mobile network(VPLMN) type. In some embodiments, the registration request messagefurther includes information indicating the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of UE behavior policy.

In one example embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving,at user equipment, from a network entity of a communications system, inresponse to a registration request message previously transmitted fromthe UE to the network entity, a registration accept message comprisingUE configuration information, wherein the UE configuration informationincludes an indication of one or more of one or more PLMN types or PLMNidentities associated with a UE behavior for the UE. The method mayfurther include adapting UE behavior according to a received UE behavioraccording to a UE behavior policy indicated in the registration acceptmessage.

In some embodiments, the method further includes storing the or morePLMN types or PLMN identities and the respective version of anassociated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the method further includes providing, to thenetwork entity, a registration request message, wherein the registrationrequest message comprises an indication of whether the UE supports orrequires the configuration of a UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the method further includes storing, at the UE, arespective version of a UE behavior associated with said one or morePLMN types or PLMN identities, wherein said storing is performed priorto receiving said registration accept message at the UE. In someembodiments, storing the respective version of the UE behaviorassociated is performed upon receipt of a prior registration acceptmessage comprising UE configuration information.

In some embodiments, the registration request message further includesan indication of a version of a currently configured UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, the registration accept message further includesinstructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI of aconfigured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UEconfiguration information further includes an indication of a respectiveversion of a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus is provided with means forreceiving, at user equipment, from a network entity of a communicationssystem, in response to a registration request message previouslytransmitted from the UE to the network entity, a registration acceptmessage comprising UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of oneor more PLMN types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behavior forthe UE. The apparatus may further be configured with means for adaptingUE behavior according to a received UE behavior according to a UEbehavior policy indicated in the registration accept message.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further be configured with meansfor storing the or more PLMN types or PLMN identities and the respectiveversion of an associated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus may further be configured with meansfor providing, to the network entity, a registration request message,wherein the registration request message comprises an indication ofwhether the UE supports or requires the configuration of a UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is further configured with means forstoring, at the UE, a respective version of a UE behavior associatedwith said one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities, wherein saidstoring is performed prior to receiving said registration accept messageat the UE. In some embodiments, storing the respective version of the UEbehavior associated is performed upon receipt of a prior registrationaccept message comprising UE configuration information.

In some embodiments, the registration request message further includesan indication of a version of a currently configured UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, the registration accept message further includesinstructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI of aconfigured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UEconfiguration information further includes an indication of a respectiveversion of a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities.

In another example embodiment, an apparatus can be provided thatcomprises at least one processor and at least one memory includingcomputer program code for one or more programs, the at least one memoryand the computer program code configured to, with the at least oneprocessor, cause the apparatus at least to receive, at user equipment,from a network entity of a communications system, in response to aregistration request message previously transmitted from the UE to thenetwork entity, a registration accept message comprising UEconfiguration information, wherein the UE configuration informationincludes an indication of one or more of one or more PLMN types or PLMNidentities associated with a UE behavior for the UE. The at least onememory and the computer program code may further be configured to, withthe at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to adapt UEbehavior according to a received UE behavior according to a UE behaviorpolicy indicated in the registration accept message.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer programcode may further be configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the apparatus at least to store the or more PLMN types or PLMNidentities and the respective version of an associated UE behaviorpolicy.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer programcode may further be configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the apparatus at least to, provide, to the network entity, aregistration request message, wherein the registration request messagecomprises an indication of whether the UE supports or requires theconfiguration of a UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, the at least one memory and the computer programcode may further be configured to, with the at least one processor,cause the apparatus at least to, store, at the UE, a respective versionof a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types or PLMNidentities, wherein said storing is performed prior to receiving saidregistration accept message at the UE. In some embodiments, storing therespective version of the UE behavior associated is performed uponreceipt of a prior registration accept message comprising UEconfiguration information.

In some embodiments, the registration request message further includesan indication of a version of a currently configured UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, the registration accept message further includesinstructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI of aconfigured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UEconfiguration information further includes an indication of a respectiveversion of a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities.

In another example embodiment, a computer program product can beprovided that comprises at least one non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium having computer-executable program code instructionsstored therein, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions configured, upon execution, toreceive, at user equipment, from a network entity of a communicationssystem, in response to a registration request message previouslytransmitted from the UE to the network entity, a registration acceptmessage comprising UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of oneor more PLMN types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behavior forthe UE. The computer-executable program code instructions comprisingprogram code instructions may further be configured, upon execution, toadapt UE behavior according to a received UE behavior according to a UEbehavior policy indicated in the registration accept message.

In some embodiments, the computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to store the or more PLMN types or PLMN identities and therespective version of an associated UE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to provide, to the network entity, a registration requestmessage, wherein the registration request message comprises anindication of whether the UE supports or requires the configuration of aUE behavior policy.

In some embodiments, computer-executable program code instructionscomprising program code instructions may further be configured, uponexecution, to, store, at the UE, a respective version of a UE behaviorassociated with said one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities, whereinsaid storing is performed prior to receiving said registration acceptmessage at the UE. In some embodiments, storing the respective versionof the UE behavior associated is performed upon receipt of a priorregistration accept message comprising UE configuration information.

In some embodiments, the registration request message further includesan indication of a version of a currently configured UE behavior policy.In some embodiments, the registration accept message further includesinstructions for the user equipment to request all S-NSSAI of aconfigured NSSAI or instructions for the user equipment to request allS-NSSAI of a default configured NSSAI. In some embodiments, the UEconfiguration information further includes an indication of a respectiveversion of a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, at anetwork entity of a communications system, from user equipment (UE), aregistration request message; determining i) one or more PLMN (publicland mobile network) types or PLMN identities associated with a UEbehavior for the UE and ii) a version of an associated UE behaviorpolicy respective of the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities,based at least in part on the registration request message; requesting aUE behavior policy from another network entity based at least in part onat least one of i) the one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities or ii)the version of the associated UE behavior policy in response to arequest for the UE behavior policy; and providing, to the UE, in aregistration accept message UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of thePLMN types or PLMN identities and the respective version of theassociated UE behavior policy.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein thePLMN is at least one of a home public land mobile network (HPLMN) typeor a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) type.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, the method further comprising: in an instance the PLMN type orPLMN identity is indicative of a VPLMN type or VPLMN identity, and theUE behavior policy allows a corresponding VPLMN to change one or moreaspects of the UE behavior policy, providing, to the UE, UEconfiguration update information, wherein the UE configuration updateinformation includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity. 4.The method of claim 1, the method further comprising: subscribing tosubscription information updates for a UE behavior policy associatedwith the UE.
 5. The method of claim 4, the method further comprising:receiving, a subscription information update to a UE behavior policyassociated with the UE; and providing, to the UE, UE configurationupdate information, wherein the UE configuration update informationincludes an indication of an updated version of the associated UEbehavior policy.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein a subscriptioninformation to a UE behavior policy is received in an instance a policycontrol function updates the UE behavior policy.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein receiving the UE behavior policy from another network entityfurther comprises: receiving one or more authorization flags, whereinthe one or more authorization flags are indicative of whether a visitedPLMN or the PLMN identity of a visited PLMN is authorized to modify theUE behavior policy for one or more of the components of the UE behaviorpolicy.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the registration requestmessage further comprises information indicating the UE supports orrequires the configuration of UE behavior policy.
 9. A methodcomprising: receiving, at user equipment (UE), from a network entity ofa communications system, in response to a registration request messagepreviously transmitted from the UE to the network entity, a registrationaccept message comprising UE configuration information, wherein the UEconfiguration information includes an indication of one or more of oneor more PLMN types or PLMN identities associated with a UE behavior forthe UE; and adapting a UE behavior according to a UE behavior policyindicated in the registration accept message.
 10. The method of claim 9,the method further comprising: storing the or more PLMN types or PLMNidentities and the respective version of an associated UE behaviorpolicy.
 11. The method of claim 9, the method further comprising:providing, to the network entity, a registration request message,wherein the registration request message comprises an indication ofwhether the UE supports or requires the configuration of a UE behaviorpolicy.
 12. The method of claim 9, wherein the registration requestmessage further comprises an indication of a version of a currentlyconfigured UE behavior policy.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein theregistration accept message further comprises instructions for the userequipment to request all single network slice selection assistanceinformation (S-NSSAI) of a configured network slice selection assistanceinformation (NSSAI) or instructions for the user equipment to requestall S-NSSAI of a default configured network slice selection assistanceinformation (NSSAI).
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the UEconfiguration information further includes an indication of a respectiveversion of a UE behavior associated with said one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities.
 15. The method of claim 9, the method furthercomprising: storing, at the UE, a respective version of a UE behaviorassociated with said one or more PLMN types or PLMN identities, whereinsaid storing is performed prior to receiving said registration acceptmessage at the UE.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein storing therespective version of the UE behavior associated is performed uponreceipt of a prior registration accept message comprising UEconfiguration information.
 17. An apparatus comprising at least oneprocessor and at least one memory including computer program code forone or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer programcode configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatusat least to: receive, at a network entity of a communications system,from user equipment (UE), a registration request message; determine i)one or more PLMN (public land mobile network) types or PLMN identitiesassociated with a UE behavior for the UE and ii) a version of anassociated UE behavior policy respective of the one or more PLMN typesor PLMN identities, based at least in part on the registration requestmessage; request a UE behavior policy from another network entity basedat least in part on at least one of i) the one or more PLMN types orPLMN identities or ii) the version of the associated UE behavior policyin response to a request for the UE behavior policy; and provide, to theUE, in a registration accept message UE configuration information,wherein the UE configuration information includes an indication of oneor more of the PLMN types or PLMN identities and the respective versionof the associated UE behavior policy.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17,wherein the PLMN is at least one of a home public land mobile network(HPLMN) type or a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) type. 19.The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one memory and thecomputer program code are further configured to, with the at least oneprocessor, cause the apparatus at least to: in an instance the PLMN typeor PLMN identity is indicative of a VPLMN type or VPLMN identity, andthe UE behavior policy allows a corresponding VPLMN to change one ormore aspects of the UE behavior policy, provide, to the UE, UEconfiguration update information, wherein the UE configuration updateinformation includes an indication of an updated version of theassociated UE behavior policy for the VPLMN or the VPLMN identity. 20.The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one memory and thecomputer program code are further configured to, with the at least oneprocessor, cause the apparatus at least to: subscribe to subscriptioninformation updates for a UE behavior policy associated with the UE.